Text of the first presidential debate between President Clinton and Republican candidate Robert Dole in Hartford, Conn.

President Clinton: Thank you, Jim, and thank you to the people of Hartford, our hosts. I want to begin by saying again how much I respect Senator Dole and his record of public service, and how hard I will try to make this campaign and this debate one of ideas, not insults.

Four years ago, I ran for president at a time of high unemployment and rising frustration. I wanted to turn this country around with a...